Pattaya plans to re-introduce the word “international” to its annual music festival next year, inviting 10 artists from Southeast Asian neighbors to celebrate the start of the Asean Economic Community.
A budget of 25 million baht has been set aside for the March 18-20 festival with musical acts from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam tentatively set to perform.
At a Nov. 3 planning meeting, city officials and business leaders discussed optimal locations for three stages, with the decision made to place them at the Dusit curve, Central Festival Pattaya Beach and at the mouth of Walking Street.
Authorities will make sure that there is plenty of space for food stalls, small product shops and tight security as well.
One highlight of the event will feature the Dutch Swing College Band, a band that has proved very popular in Pattaya during their previous performances. Other than that, many different styles of music will be available, including world, country, and rock music.
Once a staple of the annual music fest, international acts were dropped several years ago as the event downsized following 2011’s devastating floods and delays caused in 2012 by a royal funeral and Songkran.
